Name Date The Landlady by Roald Dahl A. Anticipation/Reaction Guide Directions: Read each statement below BEFORE listening to the radio play of The Landlady. Decide whether each statement is positive or negative. Place a P or an N in the appropriate box to indicate your choice. Be prepared to share your thoughts. Before Listening P/N P Statement from Text There was a vase of yellow chrysanthemums, standing just underneath the notice that looked wonderful beside the green velvety curtains. After Listening P/N Animals are usually a good sign in this sort of place. Each word was like a large black eye staring at me through the glass, holding me, compelling me I m afraid we have the house all to ourselves. It isn t very often I have the pleasure of taking a visitor into my little nest. Now dear, come over here, sit down beside me on the sofa and I ll give you a nice cup of tea and a ginger biscuit before you go to bed. Left? But my dear boy, he never left. He s still here. Mr. Temple is also here. They re on the fourth floor, both of them together. There wasn t a blemish on his body. AFTER listening to The Landlady, revisit each statement. Has your impression of any statement changed now that you are familiar with the story? Place a P or an N in the appropriate box to indicate your choice. Be prepared to share your thoughts. Niemel, 2016, CHMS 1
B. Words to Know Word Example Sentences Predicted definition...and made my way briskly down the street. For briskness was the one common characteristic of all brisk successful businessmen, like those big shots up at the Head Office. They were always so amazingly brisk. quickly, energetically There s nothing like a brisk walk in the morning to get my blood flowing and my spirit ready for the day ahead. As I studied the once swanky facades of the passing houses now cracked and blotchy from swanky neglect, all of a sudden, in a downstairs window, I caught sight of a printed notice propped up against the glass. As I studied the once swanky facades of the passing houses now cracked and blotchy from facades neglect, all of a sudden, in a downstairs window, I caught sight of a printed notice propped up against the glass. congenial Though, on the other hand, a pub would be more congenial than a boarding-house. Perhaps then I shall walk on and take a look before making up my mind... Niemel, 2016, CHMS 2
Word Example Sentences Predicted definition swamped I should've thought you d be simply swamped with applicants. trifle But I think he was a trifle shorter than you are, in fact I m sure he was, and his teeth weren t quite so white. blemish There wasn t a blemish on his body His skin was just like a baby s. Niemel, 2016, CHMS 3
C. After Reading- Check For Understanding Discussion: Answer these questions as part of our in-class discussion 1. What was Billy Weaver doing in the City of Bath? Why does he walk briskly down the street? 2. He was directed to the 'Bell and Dragon' pub for accommodation. Why didn't he stay there? 3. What was strange about the landlady when he rang on the door bell? 4. Describe Billy's first impressions: a. of the house b. of the landlady 5. Why did the landlady ask him to go to the sitting-room after he'd unpacked his bag? 6. What did Billy find disturbing about the guest book? 7. What was strange about the animals in the sitting-room? 8. What do you think happened to the other guests whose names Billy had seen? 9. What do you think happened to Billy? At what point in the story were you (the reader) fairly certain that Billy was in danger? Explain what words, phrases, or images the writer used to give you this feeling. Niemel, 2016, CHMS 4
D. Evidence Chart - Foreshadowing foreshadowing is a literary technique used to give the reader clues about what is going to happen later on in a story vital technique for authors of crime, suspense, or horror stories The chart below lists foreshadowing clues that Roald Dahl has included in his short story, The Landlady. Read the clues and complete the chart by explaining what each clue suggests about the plot of the story. Page # Evidence (specific examples from text) Elaboration (This foreshadows...or this clue suggests...) 1 But the air was deadly cold and the wind was like a flat blade of ice on my cheeks. This clue foreshadows that Billy will face danger soon - i.e., deadly cold and blade indicate that there will be trouble! 1 BED AND BREAKFAST, it said... BED AND BREAKFAST BED AND BREAKFAST Each word was like a large black eye staring at me through the glass, holding me, compelling me 2 It isn t very often I have the pleasure of taking a visitor into my little nest. 3 Everyone has to do that because it s the law of the land, and we don t want to go breaking any laws at this stage in the proceedings, do we? 6 I stuff all my little pets myself when they pass away. 6 The tea tasted faintly of bitter almonds, and I didn t much care for it. Niemel, 2016, CHMS 5
E. Short Answer Response Answer the following question by stating a claim and supporting that claim with at least two details from the story. Follow the guidelines for short answer responses using the RACES strategy. The short story, The Landlady by Roald Dahl is full of examples of foreshadowing. How does Dahl s use of foreshadowing contribute to the story s plot? Use at least two details from the story to support your response. Niemel, 2016, CHMS 6